The Garda band cost taxpayers more than €1.8million last year, it was revealed on Wednesday.

It is comprised of 29 full-time musicians who have Garda ranks such as sergeant and inspector but are not involved in policing duties.

They earned an average of €60,000 and racked up travel and subsistence expenses of nearly €52,000.

The spending is likely to come under increased scrutiny after it emerged the band’s counterpart representing the Irish Prison Service cost just €2,500 to run this year.

IPS Pipe Band members are serving and retired jail staff, who lay music on a voluntary basis during their time off and pay for travel and accommodation costs. They received €2,500 of taxpayers’ money this year towards the cost of new drums. A uniform is also provided by the Prison Service.

Members perform at IPS events such as official openings and a range of external engagements including the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Mater Hospital.

The Garda Band leads the funeral procession of Sgt Feargal McHugh formerly of Arklow Station who died in a single vehicle car crash on the N11 last Monday. The funeral took place at The Holy Rosary Church, Greystones (Image: Collins)

Read More

The Garda Band was formed in 1922 before being axed in 1965. The decision was taken by then justice minister Brian Lenihan Snr, who said the costs were “excessive, and out of proportion to any purpose served”.